When a legend from “Le Mans“ appears on ordinary asphalt, it is always an event for car fans. That is exactly what is happening right now in Miami, where RM Sotheby's is bringing a true “Holy Grail“ for collectors - the 1967 Ford GT40 Mk I - under the spotlight. This car is not just a fast car, but a piece of history, estimated at a staggering $6.5 million to $8 million.
The particular example, bearing chassis number P/1058, is part of an extremely narrow elite group. Although a total of 87 units of the Mk I version were produced, only 31 of them were configured for civilian use on public roads. Born at the Ford Advanced Vehicles plant in Slough, UK, this red athlete crossed the Ocean in late 1966 to serve as the “advertising face“ at the Blue Oval in Dearborn, before being displayed at the legendary Tasca Ford dealership.
To be allowed to drive among ordinary cars, this Mk I has undergone a delicate metamorphosis imposed by the requirements of FIA Group 4. Unlike its spartan racing brethren, the road version offers unexpected “luxury“ for its time: leather seats, soft carpeting, a heated windshield and exquisite Borrani wheels. The Ford emblem stands proudly on the front, reminding of its kinship with the Mustang of the time, but under the hood things are much more serious.
The heart of this beast is a 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine (Ford 289 High Performance), equipped with authentic Weber carburetors and a five-speed ZF transmission. This is the same architecture that brought Ferrari to its knees, but here it has been tamed for gentlemanly driving, without losing an ounce of its original character.
The history of ownership is as pure as a maiden's teardrop - fully documented and passed through the hands of notable collectors. After a meticulous restoration in Arizona at the beginning of the new century, the car was returned to its original, brilliant Carmen Red color. In 2021, the engine underwent a major overhaul, meaning its new owner won't just keep it in the garage, but will be able to hear the authentic roar of the 60s with every pedal stroke.
With a full set of original documents and an impeccable record, this Ford GT40 is one of the most valuable road cars to ever appear at public auction. The only question left is: who will have the deep pockets to own this icon?